CSLB Contractor's Law & Business Practice Exam

How many employees must an employer have to require keeping written health and safety records for five years?

1. 1 or more

2. 5 or more

3. 11 or more

4. 15 or more

The correct answer is: 11 or more

The requirement for maintaining written health and safety records for five years is established by regulations set forth by various health and safety authorities. In the context of workplace safety, employers are required to keep these records to ensure compliance with safety standards and to provide documentation in the event of inspections or audits. The threshold of 11 or more employees is significant because it recognizes that larger employee counts generally correlate with increased complexity in operations and heightened risk factors that necessitate more rigorous health and safety oversight. Small businesses with fewer than 11 employees may still be encouraged to keep records but are not mandated to maintain them for as long due to the lower risk profile associated with smaller teams. This regulation is designed to promote accountability and safety in the workplace while aligning with the intention to protect workers across various industries.